Grenztruppen Der DDR 2013!

[KevinH]

My dreams have finally been realized! See pictures: http://www.operationeastwind.com/for...p?topic=2982.0

This was an airsoft Military simulation event held every march for the past 6 years in northeastern Oklahoma that I finally had the privilege to attend. The scenario is set in 1990 and assumes that the cold war goes hot. This was the first year the Grenztruppen was depicted and I think it went very well; and rest assured, historical accuracy was of the utmost importance. It was quite possibly the most fun I've ever had.

[iannima]

Genosse KevinH
I trust that your years of schooling at this most learned institution will have given you the necessary preparation to instill in all your other Genossen in this enterprise, the true PURELY defensive nature of your job, which you so regrettably had to take on to forestall senseless Western aggression. Although it is not photographically documented, I also presume that you took a lead in all the political indoctrination classes...
Looks like you had good fun. I am not an airsofter myself and I have never been tempted as I would not like the shooting but I can see that all the rest would be great fun. One question: I know that the shades are compulsory for safety reasons, but could you not wear the DDR goggles or would not they comply with the standards required?

[torstenbel]

Hi Kevin, looks like you had a great time holding off those Imperialist Aggressors ... the sitting looked brilliant as well. Much better than the paintball place that I sometimes go to, although, they do have a nice trenches setup. Cheers, Torsten.

[KevinH]

I had thought of using EG Motorcycle goggles, but upon closer inspection I found that the plastic lens was thin enough that at close range there could be risk of a BB penetrating it. I didn't want to chance it, and they may not have even let me use them. I had an older looking pair, but they were bulky and kept fogging up on me. At least on the first few days we got a lot of non-goggle photos because we could go without until the first shots of the war had been fired. I was worried they were going to make us Grenztruppen wear helmets, but thankfully we were able to keep true to form in that respect. There actually was very little shooting. I only attended the first half, but I only got in one firefight (My postenfuhrer and I were the first ones fired upon to start the war) Most of our time was set-up and round the clock boarder patrols, on some of which no fascist activity was observed at all.

We did uphold the true nature of our past Genossen. The organizers wanted us to be the first to fire, but my peace-loving Genossen and I wouldn't have that. Instead we took the opportunity to do some "Maintenance" on our barber poles. Maybe some got moved just a little bit west in the process... which eventually drew fire from a trigger happy American fascist aggressor.

There were some hiccups in accuracy, like non-NVA sweaters and under shirts, Czech radios (which were very nice radios though) but on the whole I was very impressed with my Genossen and their level of accuracy. I wasn't the only collector there by the way. There were also several East Block vehicles there. Three GAZ 69s and a BTR-40. Dinosaurs by 1990 but I am told that the organizer also has a couple of UAZ jeeps that didn't make it this year.

There are more photos scattered around the Eastwind forum, but photo taking was difficult with how much there was to do. The only reason I got away with it was because I was portraying a GAK.

[TimoJ]

Kevin

These photos look great! It seems to me that you guys have your GT dialed in very well.

I am hoping to join you out there next year, since I am now only about 4 hours away in Arkansas.

Timo

[BowlofRice]

If you guys wouldn't mind a Grenzbrigade Kuste sailor in your unit (putting a GBK BDU together), and if I lived in America, I'd join too!

[KevinH]

We definitely need more Grenztruppen! We had 6 this year which is up from 0 last year apparently. The organizers are also thinking of putting together a motorized rifles section, but we need soldiers to fill that out as well.

We had Canadians at this years event. I believe they all car-pooled. Unfortunately there isn't really a place for the coastal Grenzbrigade with how the scenario is set up, but it wouldn't be too terribly hard, with what you'd already have for that, to put together a Grenztruppen kit.

[BowlofRice]

You're right. All I need to do to make my Grenzbrigade outfit into a Grenztruppen one is replace the VM overseas cap with an NVA one, change the shoulderboards, and wear a shirt and tie underneath the BDU!

But Oklahoma sounds a bit far...

[ehrentitle]

You're right. All I need to do to make my Grenzbrigade outfit into a Grenztruppen one is replace the VM overseas cap with an NVA one, change the shoulderboards, and wear a shirt and tie underneath the BDU!

But Oklahoma sounds a bit far...

There are special green piped Grenzbrigade Kuste Volksmarine shoulderboards, and you will also need the distinctive blue and white striped "zebra shirt".

[BowlofRice]

I know, I know. But I can't find the zebra shirt anywhere...I don't think it was worn during summer, so I think I'll be okay.

But Gowen has a Soviet zebra shirt that looks similar. If I really need this shirt (which I don't think I do), then I'll get that one.

[ehrentitle]

I know, I know. But I can't find the zebra shirt anywhere...I don't think it was worn during summer, so I think I'll be okay.

But Gowen has a Soviet zebra shirt that looks similar. If I really need this shirt (which I don't think I do), then I'll get that one.

Don't feel bad. I don't have one either, and I have been collecting Volksmarine for many years.

[Kartofelpreußer]

I'm jealous. Hoping to possibly do this next year, depending on the location and my schedule.

[TimoJ]

Don't feel bad. I don't have one either, and I have been collecting Volksmarine for many years.

I remember when they could not give them away. In fact I also remember racks FULL of VM uniforms in a Goodwill store in 2001! Those were the days!

Timo

[TimoJ]

I'm jealous. Hoping to possibly do this next year, depending on the location and my schedule.

Well if you can get to Little Rock, AR, I can probably give you a lift to Oklahoma.
I am planning to go next year.

Are there any other folks interested in the mid-west?


Timo